Remission, how long?

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Meowsmum

Meowsmum

Member Since 2011
So, Meow is OTJ for a week almost. The vet seems to think this could be permanent. I am skeptical, but hopeful.

However, how often do severely diabetic cats recover fully? Is it more common to do periods of remission?

He was on Caninsulin and his numbers started dropping. We switched to Lantus, he had 2 shots of Lantus and then he was OTJ.
 
That is one of those every cat is different kind of things, my own Maxwell has been OTJ since November 1st 2010 and so far shows no signs of going back on the juice.

Mel, Maxwell, Musette & The Fur Gang
 
you'll want to continue to test every day for another week or so, usually we suggest people test a couple of times a day, about 3 hours after feeding, to make sure meow's really doing ok. you want all numbers under 120, most under 100. normal non-diabetic cat numbers range 40's-120. and fyi, a cat can't become hypoglycemic if they aren't being injected with insulin, so if you see numbers in the 40's don't worry about it.

small frequent meals so the pancreas isn't over-taxed.

continue for the rest of his life feeding low-carb only as though he is diabetic - he is, just diet-controlled.

any infection or illness can throw him out of remission, so after the first 2 weeks you might want to test once a month forever. if he shows signs of diabetes (excessive thirst or urination) or any signs of illness make sure and test him. cats that need teeth cleanings can get thrown back out of remission, so don't neglect getting his teeth cleaned often enough.
 
Muffin has been OTJ since November 5, 2010, officially. Her last insulin shot was October 22, 2010. I continue to test her once a month, on her anniversary, or if anything seems off with her. If she seems a little under the weather, but I'm not sure, often checking BG's can support my feelings. If they are elevated, off to the vet she goes!
 
Congrats, Meow and Meowsmom. IMO, the advice you got from Julie and Anne is spot on.

May you forever feed wet food and may Meow forever stay off off the juice (OTJ).

Venita
 
I just wanted to pop in and second the advice you got on continued testing. My Missy went OTJ in April 2011 and I tested her once a day for a while, then once a week. I started to slack off and the beginning of Aug. I noticed her asking for more food (this was before the peeing and drinking) and she was in the 200's. I had tested her 2weeks previous to that and she was in the 70's-80's. She has yet to become regulated, but we are making some progress, finally. (narrowing down the contributing health issue)
Stay vigilant! Your kitty may never experience a relapse, but just know it is possible. Be on the lookout for any unusual signs...like Missy's increased hunger. I pray you never experience a relapse, just be aware it can happen.
 
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

And now, sharing a Binksy cautionary tale :-D

We started lantus august 2010...(Binks was critically ill)
and Binks went OTJ april 2011. (THANK YOU, DCIN & FDMB!!)
(i tested about every 3 weeks.)
he did beautifully until i had to travel a lot October 2011.
At that time, his 3% carb or less wet food diet at structured mini meal times went out the window about as soon as I left...
he was getting HC canned and the dreaded dry kibble more often than not for less a month-
and when I got back, he was testing in the 400 bg range :sad:

2 months back on lantus with the right diet, and we're in remission again.
The fact is, however, that anytime they come out of remission, the pancreas has suffered some amount of damage,
so it can be tougher to achieve remission subsequent times.

So...I know everybody hears it here a lot...
but Binks and i want to shout it once more...

DON'T GET LAX ON THE KITTY DIET!!!!!!

ECID...but for my boy, diet control is ABSOLUTELY A MUST!

my take on it is that we won the FD lottery by going OTJ, he's healthy & happy and acts like a kitten every day...but if and when he needs
insulin support again, I'm happy to give it, and incredibly grateful for every day he has at the Falls :-D

best of luck, guys!!

celi
 
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